The role of women in law enforcement has undergone significant transformation over the years. In the early 1900s several women were appointed sheriff to fill positions left vacant by the deaths of their husbands. Today, women in law enforcement today are increasingly stepping into leadership positions in some of the largest and most influential cities in Florida. We will explore how the role of women in law enforcement has changed over time and highlight how these women are leading the charge in shaping the future of policing in Florida.

Women as Appointed Sheriffs

In the early 1900s, especially in rural counties, it was not unusual for the sheriff’s family to reside in the sheriff’s office or even the jail. Given that many of the sheriffs had only three or four deputies, the sheriff’s wife performed many of the duties. They answered the telephone, paid the bills, bought groceries and cooked for the jail inmates among other responsibilities. As a result, the sheriffs’ wives became high-profile individuals within their communities.

The first three female sheriffs in Florida were appointed to replace their late husbands. Okeechobee County Sheriff Claude Simmons tragically died from pneumonia in 1938. His wife, Eugenia Simmons, was appointed as sheriff to serve the rest of his term. Under similar circumstances, Celia Adkinson was appointed to replace her late husband, Walton County Sheriff D.C. Adkinson, after he was fatally shot in 1938. Although brief, Eva Hutches, the wife of Sheriff Clint “C.J.” Hutches, served as sheriff of Manatee County for 12 days, September 12th – 24th, 1942, following the untimely death of her husband from a stroke.

Although none of these women sought reelection after their terms ended, they paved the way for women to be accepted into the law enforcement profession. As a result, they are considered the first female sheriffs in Florida, and the institution of the Office of Sheriff owes a great deal to them. Eugenia Simmons, Celia Adkinson and Eva Hutches were true pioneers who stepped up at a critical time and answered the call to service when their communities needed them most.

First Female Elected Sheriff

In 2005, Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton became the first elected female sheriff in Florida. Her election was a significant milestone, not only in Florida but across the country, as it highlighted the increasing involvement of women in leadership positions within law enforcement.

Before her election as sheriff, Benton had a long career in law enforcement, beginning in 1981 when she started working for the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. Over the years, she worked her way up through the ranks, gaining experience in various aspects of law enforcement, including patrol, investigations and administration.

During her time as sheriff, Benton was dedicated to improving the safety and well-being of her community. She focused on community outreach programs, crime prevention and improving the efficiency of the sheriff’s office. Benton was known for her commitment to building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community it served.

Benton served three terms as sheriff, from 2005 until 2017, and her leadership helped to shape the future of law enforcement in the region. She was widely respected for her professionalism, dedication and ability to lead by example.

In addition to her achievements in law enforcement, Benton was an advocate for the empowerment of women in the field, working to pave the way for other women to succeed in traditionally male-dominated professions. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of law enforcement officers, particularly women who aspire to leadership roles in the field. Benton also served as FSA President from 2012-2013.

14 Years of Leadership in Alachua County

Sadie Darnell served as the Sheriff of Alachua County, Florida, from 2006 to 2020, becoming the county’s first female sheriff. A lifelong resident of Gainesville, Darnell had an extensive career in law enforcement before taking office, spending over 30 years with the Gainesville Police Department, where she rose to the rank of captain. Her tenure as sheriff was marked by a focus on community policing, transparency and modernizing the agency to meet the evolving challenges of law enforcement.

During her time in office, Darnell implemented initiatives aimed at improving trust, including programs focused on mental health awareness and crisis intervention training for deputies. Under her leadership, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office also worked to improve public safety technology, enhance emergency response capabilities and address issues like domestic violence and substance abuse. Her legacy includes a commitment to community-oriented policing and efforts to modernize the sheriff’s office to better serve the residents of Alachua County. Darnell also served as FSA President from 2015-2016.

A First in Clay County

Michelle Cook is the current Sheriff of Clay County, Florida, and she made history as the first woman to hold this position in the county’s history. She was elected sheriff in 2020, marking a significant milestone for both Clay County and women in law enforcement.

Sarting as a patrol officer, in 1992, Cook was promoted through the ranks at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and retired as a 3-star Director and 3rd in command. In 2017, she became the Chief of Police for the City of Atlantic Beach and is credited with successfully leading the department through the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation process. She retired in early 2020 to begin her campaign for Sheriff in the county she was born and raised in.

As Sheriff, Cook has focused on improving public safety, crime prevention and fostering strong community relationships. She has emphasized transparency, accountability and collaboration with local businesses, schools and other organizations. Sheriff Cook is known for her leadership style, which combines her vast experience in law enforcement with a compassionate approach to community engagement. Her election as sheriff not only broke barriers for women in law enforcement but also served as a reminder of the importance of leadership, service and dedication in public safety.

History in Miami-Dade County

On November 5, 2024, Florida’s largest county, Miami Dade, marked a historic milestone by electing Rosie Cordero-Stutz as its first sheriff since 1966. Miami-Dade County is Florida’s most populous county, featuring 34 incorporated municipalities, cities, towns and villages, along with a diverse array of unincorporated communities and neighborhoods.

Originally from New York City, Rosie Cordero-Stutz has dedicated her entire 28-year career to law enforcement. Since joining the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) in 1996, she worked as a street officer and progressed through a series of promotions to detective, major and chief. She served as the assistant director of investigative services before her election as sheriff. In August, Cordero-Stutz achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Hispanic woman elected as president of the FBI National Academy Association, an organization committed to enhancing police practices through its network of senior law enforcement professionals. She is also responsible for heading the county’s Sheriff International Transition Team, ensuring a smooth transition of the MDPD from county governance to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

Cordero-Stutz made history by becoming Miami-Dade’s first female sheriff and the first Hispanic female sheriff in Florida. The entire countywide police department is transitioning into a sheriff’s office under her leadership. With a robust background within the MDPD, Cordero-Stutz has outlined her commitment to a community-based perspective, emphasizing relationships with local organizations and a dedication to transparency.

About the Florida Sheriffs Association

Founded in 1893, the Florida Sheriffs Association was established to unite Florida’s sheriffs in advancing public safety, shaping legislation and fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Over the decades, FSA has grown into a powerful advocate for law enforcement, providing training, resources and support to ensure the protection and security of Florida’s communities.

The Florida Sheriffs Association will help you to stay informed on the latest law enforcement initiatives, public safety updates and the work of Florida’s sheriffs. From in-depth blogs to legislative news and community programs, we keep you connected to the issues that matter. Explore more at flsheriffs.org and stay engaged with Florida’s law enforcement community.